Vortex-state resistance near parallel orientation in layered superconductors

Zeeman-driven phase transition within the superconducting state of κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu(NCS)2

(13)C nuclear magnetic resonance measurements were performed on κ-(BEDT-TTF)(2)Cu(NCS)(2), with the external field placed parallel to the quasi-2D conducting layers. The absorption spectrum is used to determine the electronic spin polarization M(s) as a function of external field H at a temperature T=0.35 K. A discontinuity in the derivative dM(s)/dH at an applied field of H(s)=213±3 kOe is taken as evidence for a Zeeman-driven transition within the superconducting state and stabilization of inhomogeneous superconductivity.

Test for interlayer coherence in a quasi-two-dimensional superconductor

Peaks in the magnetoresistivity of the layered superconductor kappa - (BEDT-TTF)2Cu(NCS)(2), measured in fields < or =45 T applied within the layers, show that the Fermi surface is extended in the interlayer direction and enable the interlayer transfer integral (t( perpendicular) approximately 0.04 meV) to be deduced. However, the quasiparticle scattering rate tau(-1) is such that Planck's over 2pi/tau approximately 6t( perpendicular), implying that kappa - (BEDT-TTF)2Cu(NCS)(2) meets the criterion used to identify interlayer incoherence. The applicability of this criterion to anisotropic materials is thus shown to be questionable.